Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1768, 1870
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†GRAMACIE, GRAY MERCIES, GRAMMASIE, interj. Variant forms of arch. Eng. gramercy, thanks. Also used subst.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 24:
I'm sure this lass has mair nor need to eat Gray-mercies she replies, but I maun gang, I dread that I hae bidden here o'er lang.Sc. 1870 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes 303:
Old Robin . . . would excite the merriment of the laird and his company, by reciting The Gordons' Gramacie: Ken ye the Gordons' Gramacie? To curse and swear, and [whore] and lie, And that's the Gordons' Gramacie!
